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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2002

News Release

NEA President Bob Chase Applauds SAT Results

The National Education Association applauds the consistent improvement of American students in math achievement and college preparation as demonstrated by 2002 SAT scores for high school students released today by the College Board.

"More students have tackled challenging coursework, especially in math -- and it shows," said Bob Chase, president of the 2.7 million-member teachers union. Math scores on the college entrance exam for the high school class of 2002 rose two points to 516 -- the highest level in 32 years, the College Board reported.

A record 46 percent of 2002 high school graduates took the college-entrance exam; 35 percent of test-takers are minority students, another record.

"We all should be proud as a greater diversity of students prepares for the rigors of college," Chase said. "The entire community of teachers, administrators, parents, and policymakers must be persistent in helping all students meet the challenges of higher education. We must do what we can to place a college education within everyone's reach."

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.